Courtesy The Daily Mirror

Former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia Dr. Saman Weerasinghe has been awarded the Order of Friendship (Orden Druzhby) by Russian President Vladimir Putin at a ceremony held at the Kremlin in Moscow recently. Dr. Weerasinghe speaks to Daily Mirror about the achievement and its significance as far as Russia –Sri Lanka ties are concerned.

QWhat does the Order of Friendship mean to you personally and diplomatically?

The Order of Friendship is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to strengthening international relations, cultural exchange, and humanitarian cooperation. For me, it is both a personal affirmation and a diplomatic milestone. Personally, it acknowledges decades of work, beginning with my education in Moscow and culminating in years of service as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Russia. Diplomatically, it signals Russia’s recognition of Sri Lanka as a trusted partner in Eurasian affairs. I am deeply humbled to be the only Asian recipient of this honour in 2025.   

QHow did your education in Russia shape your worldview and career?

I graduated with honours from the Moscow Medical Academy, but my education extended far beyond the classroom. Russia taught me discipline, resilience, and the value of strategic thinking. Living among Russian peers, I developed a deep appreciation for their culture, history, and intellectual traditions. These experiences shaped my diplomatic style respectfully and focused on long-term outcomes. When I served as Ambassador from 2015 to 2018, I drew upon this foundation to navigate complex negotiations and foster genuine partnerships.   

QWhat are the current pillars of Russia-Sri Lanka bilateral relations?

Today, our bilateral relations rest on three strong pillars:   

Educational and cultural exchange: Thousands of Sri Lankan students have studied in Russia, creating a bridge of understanding and mutual respect. Russian language programs and cultural festivals continue to flourish in Colombo and beyond.   

Economic cooperation: Russia remains a key market for Sri Lankan tea, while Russian tourists increasingly visit our island. Joint ventures in energy, agriculture, and infrastructure are expanding.   

Scientific and humanitarian collaboration: Through the Centre of the Russian Geographical Society in Colombo, we are working on launching joint research projects in climate resilience, disaster management, and cartography.   

These pillars are reinforced by shared values; sovereignty, mutual respect, and a commitment to peace.   

QHow have Russia and Sri Lanka supported each other in global diplomatic forums?

Russia has consistently demonstrated principled solidarity with Sri Lanka in multilateral forums, including the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), where it has stood firmly against politically motivated resolutions and external interference in Sri Lanka’s domestic affairs. At critical junctures whether during post-conflict reconciliation debates or human rights reviews, Russia has upheld Sri Lanka’s sovereignty, advocating for constructive engagement over punitive measures.   

Sri Lanka, in turn, has extended its support to Russia in international platforms, guided by a foreign policy rooted in non-alignment, mutual respect, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. We have consistently refrained from aligning with adversarial blocs or sanctions, choosing instead to promote dialogue and cooperation.   

QWhat does the Order of Friendship signify in the broader context of Eurasian diplomacy?

The Order of Friendship is emblematic of Russia’s commitment to fostering peaceful and constructive relations across continents. For Sri Lanka, this honour reflects our strategic relevance in Eurasian diplomacy and our role as a bridge between South Asia and the wider region. It affirms that our contributions whether in education, culture, or humanitarian service are recognised and valued at the highest levels. The award also reinforces our shared vision for a multipolar world grounded in dialogue, respect, and cooperation.   

QWhat is your vision for the future of Russia – Sri Lanka relations?

My vision for the future of Russia – Sri Lanka relations is one of deepened economic partnership and sustained intellectual exchange. While our historical ties have been rich in cultural and diplomatic goodwill, the next chapter must be defined by bilateral trade, investment, and educational collaboration.   

We must work toward establishing a robust economic corridor between our nations, facilitating the export of Sri Lankan tea, spices, apparel, and technology services to Russia, while welcoming Russian expertise in energy, agriculture, and industrial innovation. A bilateral trade framework, supported by chambers of commerce and diplomatic facilitation, would ensure mutual benefit and resilience.   

Equally vital is the expansion of educational cooperation. Russia has long been a destination for Sri Lankan scholars, particularly in medicine and engineering. I envision a new generation of exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and institutional partnerships that elevate our academic and scientific standing.   

This vision is grounded in mutual respect, shared development goals, and a commitment to peace. It is my hope that our two nations will continue to stand together economically, intellectually, and diplomatically as partners in progress.   

Closing Remarks…The Order of Friendship is a testament to the enduring spirit of diplomacy. It reminds us that international relations are not solely the domain of governments, they are built by educators, artists, scientists, and citizens. They are sustained through dialogue, empathy, and shared purpose. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Russia, to my colleagues in Sri Lanka, and to my family and friends, whose unwavering support has been my foundation. May this honour inspire a new generation of bridge-builders, those who see beyond borders and believe in the transformative power of friendship.